Author: Katie

Welcome to Seattle, Dr. Bruce MacWilliams!

Katie News , ,
A group of five people sit together around two wooden tables in a cozy restaurant.

We’re excited to welcome Bruce MacWilliams, PhD, to Seattle as the new Director of Seattle Children’s Motion Analysis Lab. Bruce brings nearly three decades of experience in orthopedic and pediatric movement analysis, including leading gait labs at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City and holding long-time appointments in Orthopaedics at the University of Utah.

Seattle Children’s Hospital is building a brand‑new Motion Analysis Lab, and we’re thrilled to see Bruce leading the charge as this exciting clinical and research resource comes to life.

Welcome to Seattle, Bruce – we can’t wait to see the future of gait analysis research grow here in Seattle!

Spencer Hensley awarded Mary Gates Research Scholarship

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Congratulations to Spencer Hensley, who has been selected for a Mary Gates Research Scholarship! This highly competitive University of Washington program supports undergraduate students as they deepen their engagement in research while working closely with faculty mentors.

The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is designed to enhance students’ educational experiences by giving them the resources to devote more time and focus to their research. With reduced financial pressure, scholars are able to pursue more ambitious questions, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

In the Neuromechanics and Mobility Lab, Spencer supports Mia Hoffman’s research on mobility aids for children with Down syndrome and other gross motor delays, contributing to efforts to understand how early access to mobility devices supports participation and development.

Please join us in celebrating this achievement – way to go, Spencer!

A young man smiles. He has dark brown hair, and is wearing glasses and a plaid jacket.

Congratulations, Madeleine! Madeleine McCreary passes her Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

Katie Exams, News, Presentation, SpinalStim ,
A person standing next to a large wall-mounted screen displaying a presentation slide titled ‘PhD Qualifying Exam

We’re excited to share that Madeleine (Maddie) McCreary has successfully passed her Ph.D. Qualifying Exam! 🎉

This milestone marks an important step toward her doctoral degree, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her hard work and dedication.

Congratulations, Maddie – We can’t wait to see the impact of your research in the years ahead!

Congratulations, Mac! Mackenzie Pitts passed her Ph.D. General Exam!

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We’re excited to share that Mackenzie Pitts has successfully passed her Ph.D. General Exam! 🎉

Mackenzie’s proposed work, titled “Personalizing Clinical Gait Assessments Using Bayesian Modeling,” was approved by her Ph.D. committee. This milestone marks an important step toward her doctoral degree, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her hard work and dedication.

Congratulations, Mackenzie!

A person standing next to a large wall-mounted screen displaying a presentation slide titled ‘Personalizing Clinical Gait Assessments Using Bayesian Modeling.

Reimagining Mobility Aids: Mia Hoffman Presents at APTA Pediatrics 2025

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  • Two presenters stand in front of a large projection screen displaying the session title “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy” at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference. The slide includes names, credentials, and affiliations for Mia Hoffman and Bethany M. Sloane. The background shows patterned carpet and a dark curtain framing the screen.
  • A selfie-style photo taken from the front of a large conference room, showing two presenters in the foreground and a large seated audience in the background.
  • A presenter stands beside a podium with a laptop and water bottles, holding a microphone and a small device while speaking. The podium has “Broadmoor” signage, and the background shows a patterned carpet and plain wall.
  • Two presenters stand at the front of a conference room. One is holding a microphone and a colorful book while speaking to the audience. The other stands near a podium with a laptop. The room has patterned carpet and neutral walls.

Mia Hoffman of the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab, along with Bethany M. Sloane, Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Washington’s Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE), presented a session at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference titled “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy.”

The session explored how interdisciplinary partnerships can transform traditional mobility aids into creative, user-centered solutions. Real-world examples included 3D-printed joystick adaptations, sensor-integrated systems, and community loaner programs. Attendees engaged in design thinking activities and left with practical tools to reimagine mobility for young children.